Magic's J.J. Redick says he is close to returning

Magic guard J.J. Redick says he will sit out Orlando's regular season finale, but is "really close" to being able to practice with Orlando set to tip off the playoffs this weekend against Atlanta.

Redick is sitting out his 17th straight game with a lower abdominal strain Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers. He hasn't played since sustaining the injury in a walkthrough before the Magic's March 9 win over Sacramento.

He participated in some limited walkthroughs with the team Wednesday morning, but didn't do anything live. He says he expects to be able to do live drills by Friday. The Magic open the postseason on either Saturday or Sunday. The official playoff schedule is expected to be released late Wednesday night.

Redick is averaging a career-best 10.1 points in his fifth NBA season.